On Saturday, Jan. 18, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. the Dare Center in Manteo will host the 29^th annual celebration of the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr.

Michael Lewis and his family have been organizing this event for almost thirty years. His mother, Ruth Lewis, took over the program after the event was too large to host at its original location, Haven Creek Missionary Baptist Church.

“At the time, there was no kind of Black History Month in the Outer Banks,” Michael said. Ruth wanted to continue educating the public and bringing people of all backgrounds together to recognize the work of Martin Luther and the historic past of our nation.

This year, the event will include musical performances by the Echoes of Heritage, First Flight High School’s chorus and the Voices of Truth. Rev. Frank Lassen of Source Church will speak and a hot lunch provided by Publix will be served afterward.

“We are also going to have Boy Scout Troop 165 there to post colors and we will read a short excerpt from Martin Luther’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech,” Michael added.

When the event initially began, there were about 40 people in attendance. Michael said this year they expect to have over 100 people come out to celebrate the legacy of MLK Jr.

READ MORE NEWS AND EVENTS HERE. 

RECENT HEADLINES:

Highlight Reels: Hang up then hook up

New playground installed at Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo Community Building